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Original poster

Urge Incontinence, how to manage without GP??

29 replies

ReesesPieces100 · 27/12/2021 21:30

Hi, I promise I'm not a pee troll. I'm just looking for advice on an issue that has been going on for a while. I've always been prone to a bit of a weak bladder since my late teens and it has gotten a lot worse.
I have symptoms of both urge and stress incontinence and it is the urge that is causing me a lot of problems recently.
I have full accidents about twice a week and many close calls in between. I just get hit by a sudden need to pee and I can't hold it back.
It's causing me a lot of embarrassment and I don't want to go to the GP about this as I'm very ashamed and disgusted with myself. I hate feeling like I'm not in control of my body.
I try to go to the toilet regularly but sometimes if I'm out etc I go too long between or the urge just hits and I have an accident.
I'm in my mid 20's, no kids and I have to carry spare pants and wear pads etc Blush
Is there any way to reduce/prevent this from happening without having to go to doctor?
Thanks

OP posts:
tiredanddangerous · 27/12/2021 21:32

You need to overcome your embarrassment and see a doctor op. They see women every day who are coping with this issue - they've seen it all before and they will be able to help.

AnnaMagnani · 27/12/2021 21:33

Go and see the bloody GP. It's a medical problem, not a personal weakness, it's what they are there for.

FindingMeno · 27/12/2021 21:34

See the Dr.
You aren't by any means alone in this.

gamerchick · 27/12/2021 21:36

Please for the love of jebus see your GP. Your GP has seen this a million times, seriously.

You'll kick yourself for not going sooner tbh.

womaninatightspot · 27/12/2021 21:40

I have a crappy bladder made worse by childbirth etc. It can be helped by losing any excess weight, avoid caffiene/ alchohol. Try pelvic floor exercises. I think you should see a doctor but these will be the first things they recommend you try so if you're already doing them they can move straight on to the investigative stage.

ufucoffee · 27/12/2021 21:43

Go to a GP. I went years ago and GP sent me to a lovely woman who specialised in wee accidents (she did have a proper title) and she taught me exercises to do that made loads of difference. There was nothing she hadn't heard before. You have nothing to lose OP and your GP will not be shocked or criticise you in any way.

Original poster
ReesesPieces100 · 27/12/2021 21:45

Thanks everyone, think I'll try to make an appointment in the next week or so. I'm just really worried that they are going to judge me as I'm young and I haven't had kids or anything.

OP posts:
Bagelsandbrie · 27/12/2021 21:46

Please go and see your GP. To be having these issues in your 20s there could be any number of things going on - including long term cystitis - for which there are an number of medications you can try.

itwasntaparty · 27/12/2021 21:48

You need to go to the dr. Rather a 10 minute chat with the doc than kissing yourself twice a week forever....

Schmoozer · 27/12/2021 21:50

Definitely need the GP for this -
They see this sort of thing a lot, and have nurses who specialise in this area too - you absolutely won’t be judged - they will be pleased you have come forward with this troublesome issue

Caneparrot · 27/12/2021 21:55

Best to chat to a health professional to confirm diagnosis, but if it is “simple” urge incontinence you will probably be advised re bladder retraining. www.swbh.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Bladder-retraining-ML3615.pdf Something like this may be helpful.

It is also useful if you have done a bladder diary www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/resources/patient-information/urology/bladder/bladder-diary.pdf

HTH

madisonbridges · 27/12/2021 21:56

@itwasntaparty

You need to go to the dr. Rather a 10 minute chat with the doc than kissing yourself twice a week forever....
Oh, I don't know. I think a bit of self love twice a week is lovely. 😂
nocoolnamesleft · 27/12/2021 21:56

Definitely get a GP appointment. Basic things you can start working on in the meantime (you may well already have done all these):

Drink enough fluid (concentrated urine irritates the bladder)
Take the time to empty properly and don't hover (stale urine irritates the bladder)
Don't drink caffeine, fizzy drinks, or acidic drinks (all irritate the bladder)
Make sure you're not constipated (squashes the bladder, and can hide the signal that you need a wee)
When you're at home and desperate to go, practice holding on for a count of 5 (improves sphincter control)

sherrytrifleforthewin · 27/12/2021 22:02

My mum told me that when she had this this clinic told her that if she was in the car or somewhere it wouldn't look weird, you can buy yourself and extra hour by rubbing the inside of your thighs with both hands. Don't know why it works but it helped her.

Alonelonelylonersbadidea · 27/12/2021 22:03

@ReesesPieces100 my daughter had this and she tried two different pills. The second one did the job. It's very common. Don't be ashamed. Seeing a GP could change your life!!

NerrSnerr · 27/12/2021 22:05

OP- what would you say to a friend your age if they had the same problem? Do you think the GP would judge them?

Original poster
ReesesPieces100 · 27/12/2021 22:06

Thanks so much everyone x

OP posts:
awesomekilick · 27/12/2021 22:07

See a pelvic floor physio. Absolute magic. You might have an over-toned (hypertonic?) pelvic floor

Ocsetldil · 27/12/2021 22:08

In the meantime, you can use lightweight daily pads which should catch any dribbles to avoid embarrassment.

lisaandalan · 27/12/2021 22:09

You need to overcome your embarrassment and go to the Gp I am now on medication you can also get pads from the NHS for free if you need them. You need to make an appointment you are suffering for nothing. X

Original poster
ReesesPieces100 · 27/12/2021 22:10

Yeah I do use pads at the minute. Just to give me a bit more reassurance if I'm going out etc. They do come in useful.

OP posts:
Boogaloony · 27/12/2021 22:13

Get one of the battery powered kegel 8 internal probe machine things. Mine was £48 I think and I spent 20 minutes every evening with it on a mixed urge and stress programme and it was revolutionary! I honestly thought after 4 big vaginal deliveries I was destined to be leaking forever but within 2 weeks the symptoms had about halved. After 4 weeks I could cough and jump without any leakage and even had 1-2 nights where I didn't have to get up for a pee. I still use it 1-2 nights a week for Maintenance but over all it's been revolutionary and I'm very happy.

NerrSnerr · 27/12/2021 22:14

@Boogaloony

Get one of the battery powered kegel 8 internal probe machine things. Mine was £48 I think and I spent 20 minutes every evening with it on a mixed urge and stress programme and it was revolutionary! I honestly thought after 4 big vaginal deliveries I was destined to be leaking forever but within 2 weeks the symptoms had about halved. After 4 weeks I could cough and jump without any leakage and even had 1-2 nights where I didn't have to get up for a pee. I still use it 1-2 nights a week for Maintenance but over all it's been revolutionary and I'm very happy.
I know you mean we'll advising this but the OP needs to see her GP to rule out any medical causes.
Shouldbedoing · 27/12/2021 22:23

@Boogaloony Do you have a link to said machine? I've been eyeing up the Perifit at but they are £££££s. I saw the lady physio after my 12 Yr old was born, but a lax approach to exercises, peri or actual menopause, being fatter than ever and a damn Covid cough have undone me!

madisonbridges · 27/12/2021 22:26

@lisaandalan

You need to overcome your embarrassment and go to the Gp I am now on medication you can also get pads from the NHS for free if you need them. You need to make an appointment you are suffering for nothing. X
Do you mind if I ask what your medication is for? Am overactive bladder or something else? Does your medication work? Does it cure the problem or just alleviate it slightly. Thanks.